SIA opens first revamped airport lounge

12/17/2013

New SilverKris Lounge in Sydney marks start of global roll-outSingapore Airlines (SIA) has unveiled a new lounge at Sydney Airport – the first in a new range of SilverKris Lounges to be rolled-out around the world.

Based on the concept of offering homely amenities and services, the new Sydney lounge features a customised batik screen designed to reflect Singapore’s native culture, a selection of Singaporean artworks and local menu items.

“Our customers frequently tell us that they have a feeling of ‘home’ as soon as they board our aircraft, and our aim is to extend this experience to the ground. Through our new ‘home away from home’ concept, the intention is for our customers to experience the feeling of being taken care of at every step of their journey,” said Tan Pee Teck, SIA’s senior vice president of product & services.

“Each space is thoughtfully designed to create the ambiance of ‘home’ that is familiar and comforting, adding to the warm, authentic and personalised service that Singapore Airlines is well known for,” he added.

Along with living room, kitchen and dining room areas, the lounge also features what SIA calls “intimate coves” where customers can relax and “productivity pods” for business travellers to work in privacy.In terms of F&B, SIA will roll-out a ‘Taste of Singapore’ menu concept, with traditional dishes including laksa and mee siam offered alongside international cuisine.

The lounge will also be staffed by passenger relations officers, to handle passenger requests and inquiries.

The new Sydney lounge marks the start of a SG$100 million (US$80m) investment programme to upgrade all of the airline’s 15 global SilverKris Lounges. The roll-out will continue in 2014, at SIA’s lounges at London Heathrow, Hong Kong and Singapore Changi T3.